Wales stands as a unique travel destination, full of history and cultural charm. For travelers in 2025, Wales offers some top …
Wales is packed with beautiful towns, dramatic scenery, and historical attractions. Here are some of the best towns and must-see sights, often grouped by region:
North Wales
- Towns:
- Conwy: A walled market town dominated by the impressive Conwy Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t miss the Smallest House in Great Britain on the quay.
- Llandudno: A classic Victorian seaside resort with a long pier and the Great Orme, a limestone headland accessible via cable car or a vintage tramway.
- Betws-y-Coed: A picturesque village in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia), known as the gateway to the National Park, surrounded by forests and waterfalls like Swallow Falls.
- Portmeirion: A unique, enchanting Italianate village on the coast, famous for its whimsical architecture.
- Attractions:
- Eryri National Park (Snowdonia): Home to Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), Wales’ highest peak. You can hike to the summit or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
- Caernarfon Castle: Another magnificent medieval fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its polygonal towers.
- Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn): A large island with stunning coastal scenery, including the South Stack Lighthouse and Beaumaris Castle.
South Wales
- Towns/Cities:
- Cardiff: The vibrant capital city. Key attractions include Cardiff Castle, the modern Cardiff Bay waterfront, and the Wales Millennium Centre.
- Tenby: A colourful, picturesque harbour town in Pembrokeshire, surrounded by medieval walls and beautiful sandy beaches.
- Hay-on-Wye: Famous as the “Town of Books,” known for its numerous secondhand bookshops and annual literary festival.
- Attractions:
- Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons): Features rolling hills, mountains like Pen y Fan (South Wales’ highest peak), dramatic waterfalls (Waterfall Country), and excellent stargazing opportunities.
- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: The UK’s only coastal national park, offering stunning coastal paths, beaches like Barafundle Bay, and boat trips to islands like Skomer (for puffins).
- St Davids: The UK’s smallest city, home to the beautiful medieval St Davids Cathedral.
- Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon: A UNESCO World Heritage site offering a fascinating look at Wales’ industrial history, with underground tours led by former miners.
Mid/West Wales
- Towns:
- Aberystwyth: A bustling seaside town and cultural hub on Cardigan Bay, complete with a castle ruin and a cliff railway.
- Aberaeron: Known for its rows of brightly painted Georgian houses along the harbour.
This list is just a starting point, as Wales has countless hidden gems, charming villages, and stunning landscapes to explore!